Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum Versus Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence - Japan
Updated on May 05, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum 20 ingredients
Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence 12 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum 20 ingredients
Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence 12 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Water
SolventNiacinamide
Smoothing
Propanediol
Solvent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
Emulsifying3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Bifida Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Water, Niacinamide, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum 20 ingredients
Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence 12 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum 20 ingredients
I’ve been using this product for the past couple of days and noticed that it’s making my skin break out with a few small closed comedones and pimples on my cheeks and nose. I highly doubt that my skin is purging since this serum contains ethyl ascorbic acid which is a more gentle alternative to L-ascorbic acid and vitamin C isn’t supposed to make the skin purge. I’m assuming the breakouts were Show more
This is a stable serum for hyperpigmentation and dark spots, but for me I don’t use a moisturiser whenever I use this because it’s give me pimples, it’s really good and doesn’t break me out soo I like it
Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence 12 ingredients
I'm giving this 5 stars for the phenomenal packaging. I lost the cap once and I was worried it'll oxidise quickly but after a whole week without the cap, the serum was still clear and not oxidised at all!!!
Price: 5/5
Great for the product quality & packaging.
Packaging: 5/5
Very good for vitamin c that oxidize easily. Easy to dispense the product.
Texture: 5/5
Slightly watery. Easy to spread and absorb into skin. Easy to layer with other skincare.
Smell: 5/5
pleasant citrus smell
Result: 5/5
After 1 month use, my dark acne scars are noticeably lighter, some completely gone. Not irritating Show more
